Thursday, August 24, 2006

Ok... so it didn't go as planned... well, at least not the way WE had it planned!

When you go on a mission trip, you can expect to meet some resistance.  The enemy doesn't like effective missions and will fight against God's work on any front.  Well.... suffice it to say that the enemy has drawn the line in the sand.

Things began as they usually do... a hectic gathering at the Chattanooga airport, bags, equipment cases and tons of excitement and anticipation.  Many experienced personal attacks as time approached for this trip and even questioned whether they should be even be going on the trip, but they came anyway.  Praise God.

This trip is different than previous trips.  We are not just carrying medicine we are carrying musical instruments and equipment and video gear.  We will not only be conducting medical clinics, but will also be having crusades/worship festivals for 3-4 nights, one of which will be from the Darwin Center... the home of evolutionary thought and secular religion.  We are blessed to be traveling with Tabernacle, a "Big Band" Christian group that will lead the worship.

The battle against the group began in Chattanooga when Tabernacle's keyboard player found out at the airport that he could not come along on the trip because his passport had expired (even though he had checked with the passport agency several times) Then, because of the weight of all the equipment, 10 bags had to be taken from the plane and driven to Atlanta.  Upon our arrival in Atlanta, there was a problem checking in the additional bags and we missed our flight. 

This poses a potential problem with connections to the Island because the airline we booked only flies on Monday and Wednesday. Those familiar with mission trips knew that if God didn't want us on that plane, there was a reason and that he would provide a way.   The group stuck together and we soon found ourselves headed for the Days Inn near the airport.

Why? ... Why would we miss the flight we have planned so hard for?  We soon found out... at least in part.

Once everyone got settled into their rooms, we gathered in a conference room for a team meeting.  Jonathan talked about being flexible and that God had a purpose in all of this and he then turned the meeting over to Paster Sammy Wilson.  Now, understand that Sammy was not supposed to be on this trip... at least that is what we thought.  He had come to the airport to pray for the team prior to departure.  Another last minute cancelation opened the door and Sammy, a missionary to Guatamala, stepped through.  He ran home to gather his stuff and here he is.

His message to the team was one of expectation and being open to the Spirit of God... that we were all chosen to be here by Him and that we should look to see the divine appointments that He has set for us.  This word broke the ice and the team began sharing and the Lord began to bind us together in one accord.  We started the trip as individuals, rushing to get to the airport to start this trip... by evenings end, we were a team.

Tomorrow we will head back to the airport and leave at the same time... we still don't know how we will get to the Island, but God will make a way.

As always, internet access in remote areas of the world are iffy at best.  We will update the site as soon as possible.  Please keep us in prayer.